Full fashioned hosiery knitting machine



Jan. 19, 1937.. s. c. MACK FULL FASHIONED HOSIERY KNITTING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 51, 19355 Jan. 19, 1937. s c. MACK 2,068,276

FULL FASHIONED HOSlERY KNITTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 51, 1935 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 I IW/VenZb-r Ailorn zy.

Jan. 19, 1937. s, c, MACK 2,068,276

, FULL FASHIONED HOSIERY KNITTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 51, 1935 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 filer/1215i K flack mam,

Jan. 19, 1937. 5. cv MACK FULL FASHIONED HOSIERY KNITTING MACHINE Filed Decfl'a'l, 1935 duty/Lay.

Jan. 19, 1937. s. c. MACK 2,068,276

FULL FASHIONED HOSIERY KNITTING MACHINE Filed Dec. a1, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IAQ/QW/QW/QW/QVM/Q @4040. V VOVNVFVNVOVOVH mu 4 0 0 I Patented Jan. 19, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FULL FASHIONED HOSIERY KNITTING MACHINE This invention relates to a straight bar knitting machine and more particularly to a full fashioned hosiery knitting machine wherein mechanism is provided for successively laying or feeding a plurality of yarns in regular predetermined repeated sequence so as to produce what is now commercially known as a ringless type of stocking. Q

My improved mechanism may be used for various purposes but is particularly designed for laying a plurality of similar silk yarns in predetermined repeated sequence, the yarns being of a similar color and weight so that unavoidable inherent irregularities in natural silk yarn, such as unevenness in the diameter thereof, may be uniformly distributed over the knitted fabric for the elimination of rings or shaded bands in the finished hosiery.

A feature of the invention resides in providing a carrier bar selecting mechanism carried by the friction box and directly operated from the main cam shaft of the knitting machine.

My invention is further distinguished in the specific features of the mechanism whereby the carrier rods may be more efficiently and effectively selected and operated. I I

With these and other objects in view, my invention will be better understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a cross sectional view of the attachment associated with the carrier rods and main cam shaft of a full fashioned hosiery knitting machine.

Figure 2 is a rear elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is a top plan view.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view on line 4-4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view on line 5-5 of Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, showing the selector in inoperative position.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of a barrel for controlling the selectors. I

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the sequence of movements of the carrier rods.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the fabric produced by my attachment.

My improved mechanism is designed to selectively operate the carrier rods of the full fashioned knitting machine in the manner and orderly sequence diagrammatically illustrated in Figure 8 for the production of the type of knitted fabric illustrated in Figure 9.

- Referring to the diagrammatic view in Figure 8, the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F designate the relative group positions of the carrier bars when selectively operating the yarn laying mechanism, the letter G designating the same group position of the carrier bars as indicated by the letter A. In the relative group position designated by the '5 letter A, the carrier bar J and the carrier bar K are positioned at the right of the knitting machine, and the carrier bar L is positioned at the left of the knitting machine. In this relative position of the carrier bars J, K, and L, the yarn laying mechanism has been adjusted to be in engagement with bar J so that upon operation of the yarn laying mechanism, this carrier bar J will be moved in the direction of the arrow to occupy a position at the left of the machine, as shown in the group arrangement of the bars designated by the letter B.

In the group arrangement B, the carrier bar L is next engaged by the yarn laying mechanism and moved to the right, as indicated by the arrow, so as to finally occupy a position at the right of the knitting machine, as shown in the group arrangement 'of the bars, designated by the letter C.

In the group arrangement C, the carrier bar K is next engaged by-the yarn laying mechanism for movement to the left, as indicated by the arrow, so as to finally occupy a position to the left of the knitting machine, as shown in the group arrangement designated by the letter D.

In the group arrangement D, the yarn laying mechanism is in engagement with the bar J for moving the same to its position at the right of the machine as indicated by the arrow, so that the same will finally occupy a position at the right of the machine, as indicated in the group arrangement of the bars designated by the letter E.

In the group arrangement E, the carrier bar L is engaged by the yarn laying mechanism and is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow so as to finally assume a position at the left of the machine, as illustrated in the group arrangement F. The yarn laying mechanism then moves into engagement with the carrier bar K for moving the same in the direction of the arrow so as to finally assume a position at the right of the machine, as indicated in the group arrangement indicated bythe letter G, this latter arrangement corresponding with group arrangement A.

' This cycle of operation is repeated over and over again, with the result that a single course of loops is formed from an independentyarn each time the knitting machine performs a knitting operation. Thus it will be appreciated that there is a continuous repeated successive operation of carrier finger B to the right.

the carrier bars without an idle movement of any one of the bars.

In the sequence of operation of the carrier rods, as above set forth, the fabric illustrated in Figure 9 is produced, in which the letter A designates a course that is knitted by moving the yarn After this has been accomplished, the yarn carrier finger B' remains stationary, and the yarn carrier finger C is moved from right to left to form the course D5. The yarn carrier finger C is then held stationary and the yarn carrier finger E is moved from left to right to form the course F, and this successive sequence of movements of the yarn carrier fingers is repeated over and over throughout the knitting of the fabric, the carrier fingers being attached to the carrier rods J, K, and L in the manner well known in the art.

In Figures 1 to 7, I have illustrated my improved mechanism, which may be modified in many ways, for giving the sequence of movement to the carrier rods and for producing the fabric as hereinbefore set forth.

Attached to the carrier rods J, K, and-L, are driving fingers l, 2, and 3 of varying height and each provided with a notch 4. The fingers are of varying height to enable the selective engagement thereof with the lugs 5, 6, and 1 of varying lengths, carried by. horizontally slidably mounted selectors 8, 9, and I0. Attention is called to the fact that the selectors 8, 9, and [0, which are illustrated as slides, are of varying lengths so as to accommodate the spacing of the carrier rods, as shown in Figure 3.

These-selectors are slidably supported in a block I I, attached to the usual friction box l2 to be carried therewith, the friction box being operated by the usual friction rod l3. Each of the selectors 8, 9, and I0 is forced away from its associated carrier rod by a coil spring l4 mounted on the block ll. One of the selectors is constructed in two parts, an inner part I5, and an outer part l6 hinged together, as indicated at IT, a knob l8 being provided for raising the part [6 vertically, to permanently hold the same outof driving engagement with its associated carrier bar, as shown in Figure 6, so that the entire mechanism can be disconnected from the carrier bars as the remaining selectors are mechanically held out of engagement with their associated carrier bars.

The selectors are provided with rollers l9 coacting with tappets 20 pivotally mounted on the block, as indicated at 2|. These tappets also cooperate with cam mechanism 22' whereby the tappets may be selectively operated for the selective manipulation of the selectors. The cam mechanism 22 is slidably mounted onto one of the shafts .23 of the full fashioned knitting machine and consists of three sets of cams, 24, 25, and 26, one set for each of the tappets 20. The earns 21 of the various sets are arranged in staggered relation so as to manipulate the tappets at the required time interval in rela-.

tion to the knitting'operations of the knitting the barrel to turn freely in the brackets and at the same time allow the brackets'to carry the barrel along the shaft 23 in the movement of the block ll of the various carrier rods.

For the purpose of giving periodic movement to the barrel and, therefore, periodicmovement to the sets of cams for the periodic operations of the tappets 20, I provide a drive device 3| consisting of a ratchet 32 secured to the barrel 28. Swingingly supported by the ratchet T32 is an arm 33 carrying a dog 34 that is held in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet 32 by a coil spring 35. Also secured to the ratchet 32 is a toothed disc 36 cooperating with a locking device 31 so as to lock the ratchet in any of its adjusted positions. ,This locking device may be of any suitable form but, for the purpose of illustration, I have shown the lock consisting ofv a slidably mounted pin 38 having a bill 39 for engagement with the notches in the toothed wheel, a coil spring 40 forcing the pin into engagement with the toothed wheel. A thumb piece 4| is positioned to hold the pin 38 out of engagement with the toothed wheel in opposition to the spring 40.

For the periodic operation of the arm 33, I have I provided a power device 42 consisting of a cam 43 on the main camshaft 43', the cam engaging a roller 44 on the link mechanism 45 for the periodic operation thereof. This link mechanism includes a head or rail 45 arranged directly under the arm 33 and of the required length to allow sliding movements of the arm 33 with the block its full distance of travel in either direction. Thus it will be apprecated that the cam mechanism may be operated at either end of the stroke of the friction box for performing single course movements The cam 43 moves the link mechanism in one direction, that it is say, in that direction moving the rail 45 downwardly,

"whereas the coilspring 4B is provided for operating the mechanism in a direction to urge the rail 45 upwardly. In the downward movement of the rail 45, the arm 33 being overbalanced, gravitates therewith, thereby allowing the dog 34 to idle over the ratchet, whereas in the upward movement of the rail 45', the dog 34 will operate under the ratchet. I

In the operation of the attachment for giving the sequence of movements to the carrier rods, as illustrated in Figure 8, and for the production of fabric shown in Figure 9, the operation of the main cam shaft 43' operates the link mechanism 45 for the swinging of the arm 33 downwardly and thereby moves the dog 34 into engagement with another tooth of the ratchet so that the following upward movement of the mechanism 45 will operate the dog 34 to partially turn the ratchet 32. This brings one of the cams of one of the sets of cams into engagement with one of the tappets for swinging the tappet and thereby sliding one of the selectors into operative engagement with a carrier rod, the remaining two selectors being retracted into inactive positions by their associated coil springs I4 due tothe fact that the tappets associated with such selectors are out of engagement with theirassociated cams. In the operation of the friction box, the carrier rod, engaged by the mentioned selector, is moved across the machine for a full stroke, all the selectors being carried along with the friction box,

the cam mechanism being also carried along with the friction box. Upon completion of the full stroke of the carrier rod, the cam mechanism is again operated by the link mechanism for disengaging the previously engaged tappet and engaging another tappet so that another selector may be moved into operative engagement with a carrier rod and move its rod a full stroke. Thereafter, the cam mechanism functions to move the third selector into engagement with its associated carrier rod for the movement thereof for a full stroke. This cycle of operation is performed over and over again in the manner set forth in relation to the description of Figure 8. a

It is to be understood that the construction shown and described is capable of many modi cations, and those modifications that come wi hin the scope of the claims I consider within the spirit of the invention.

. vice to move therewith and operable for selecting and driving any one ofsaid carrier rods;

means arranged on the friction device and action- I able for acting upon said selectors to effect the selection of the carrier rods; cams supported upon the friction device and engageable with said means for the operation thereof; means carried by the friction device for progressively actuating said cams; and a mechanism operatively associated with said main cam shaft and having an element disposed for constant riding engagement with the last mentioned means whereby the latter may be actuated at either end of the reciprocating movement of the friction device.

2. In a fiat knitting machine having a plurality of reciprocable carrier rods, a reciprocating friction rod, and a rotating main cam shaft; a friction device carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith; selectors mounted on the friction device to move therewith and operable for selecting and driving any one of said carrier rods; means'arranged on the friction device and actionable for acting upon said selectors to effect the selection of the carrier rods; cams supported upon the friction device and engageable with said means for the operation thereof; a ratchet mecha nism carried by the friction device for progressively actuating said cams; and a lever mechanism operatively associated with the main cam shaft and having a rail disposed for constant riding engagement with the ratchet mechanism whereby the latter may be actuated at either end of the reciprocating movement of the friction device.

I 3. In a flat knitting machine having a plurality of reciprocable carrier rods, a reciprocating friction rod, anda rotating main cam shaft: a friction device carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith; a selector associated with each carrier rod and disposed to move with said friction device, said selectorls being slidably mounted in the friction device to be brought into selective engagement with their respective carrier rods; means mounted on the friction device and engageable with the selectors for sliding the same into engagement with the carrier rods; a set of cams supported by the friction device and adapted to act on said means for periodically sliding the selectors; means carried by the friction device for giving progressive movement to said set of cams; and a mechanism operatively associated with said main cam shaft and having an element for constant ridi'ng engagement with the last mentioned means whereby the latter may beactuated at either end of the reciprocating move ment of the friction device.

4.. In a flat knitting machine having a plurality of reciprocable carrier rods; a reciprocating fric- I tion rod, and a rotating m'ain cam shaft: a friction device carried by the friction rod to reciprocate-therewith; a selector associated with each carrier rod and disposed to move with said friction device, said selectors being slidably mounted in the friction device, to be brought into selective engagement with their respective carrier rods; means mounted on the friction device and engageable with the selectors for sliding the same into engagement with the carrier rods; a set of cams supported by the friction device and adapted to act on said means for periodically sliding the selectors; a ratchet mechanism carried by the friction device for giving progressive movement to said sets of cams; and a leverage system operatively associated with said main cam shaft and having means for constant riding engagement with the ratchet mechanism whereby the latter may be actuated at either end of the reciprocating movement of the friction device. 7

5. In a flat knitting machine having a plurality of reciprocable carrier rods, a reciprocating friction rod, and a rotating main cam shaft: a fric-' tion device carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith and including a selector for association with each of said carrier rods, said selectors being disposed to move with the friction device but slidably mounted thereon for selective engagement with-their respective associated carrier rods to reciprocate the same; means acting on each selector for normally urging the same out of engagement with the associated carrier rod; means mounted on the friction device and engageable with said selectors for forcing the same into engagement with their respective carrier rods against the action of said means; cams rotatably suspended from said friction device for tion rod, and a rotating main cam shaft: a friction device carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith and including a selector for assoication with each of said carrier rods, said selectors being disposed to move with the friction device but slidably mounted thereon for selective 1 engagement with their respective associated carrier rods to reciprocate the same; means acting on each selector for normally urging the same out of engagement with the. associated carrier rod; means mounted on the friction device and engageable with said selectors for forcing the same into engagement with their respective carrier rods against the'action of said means; cams rotatably suspended from said friction device for intermittent actuation of the last mentioned means; a ratchet mechanism carried by the friction device and associated with the cams for rotating the same; and a leverage system operated from the main cam shaft during its rotation and operable to actuate said ratchet mechanism, said leverage system including a rail arranged for constant riding engagement with said ratchet mechaf nism whereby the latter may be actuated at either end of the reciprocating movement of said friction .device.'. I z

vice but slidably mounted thereon for selective engagement with their respective associated carrier rods to reciprocate the same; spring means acting on each selector for normally urging the same out of engagement with the associated carrier rod; tappets pivotally mounted on the friction device and engageable with said selectors for forcing the same into engagement with their respective carrier rods against the action of said spring means; a plurality'of sets of spaced cams rotatably suspended from said friction device, each set cooperating with one of said tappets for intermittent actuation thereof; a ratchet mechanism carried by the friction device and associated with the cams for rotating the same; and a leverage system. operated from the main cam shaft during-its rotation and operable to actuate said ratchet mechanism, said leverage system in: cluding a rail arranged for constant riding e'ngagement with said ratchet mechanism, whereby the latter may be actuated at either end of the tion rod, and a rotating main cam shaft: a friction box'carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith; a block connected to said box for movement therewith; a selector associated with each of said carriers, and disposed to move with the block, but slidably mounted thereon for selective engagement with its associated carrier rod to reciprocate the same; means acting on each selector for normally urging the same out of engagement with the associated carrier rod; tappets pivotally mounted on the block and engageable withsaid selectors for forcing the same into engagement with their respective carrier rods against the action of said means; a plurality of sets of spaced cams rotatably suspended from said block, each set cooperating with one of said tappets for intermittent actuation thereof; a ratchet mechanism carried by the block and associated with the cams for rotating the same; and a leverage system operated from the main cam shaft duringvits rotation and operable to actuate said ratchet mechanism said leverage system including means arranged for constant riding en= gagement with said ratchet mechanism whereby the latter may be actuated at either end-of the reciprocating movement of the block.

'9. In a flat knitting machine having a' plurality of reciprocable carrier rods,'a reciprocating friction rod, and a rotating main cam shaft: a friction box carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith; a block connected to said box for movement therewith; a selector associated with each of said carrier rods and disposed to move with the block, but slidably mounted thereon for selective engagement with its associated carrier rod to reciprocate the same; spring means acting on each selector for normally urging the same out of engagement with the associated carto actuate said ratchet mechanism, said leverage system including means arranged for constant riding engagement with said ratchet mechanism whereby the latter may be actuated at either end of the reciprocating movement of the block.

10. In a fiat knitting machine having a plurality of reciprocable carrier rods, a reciprocating friction rod, and a rotating main cam shaft: a friction box carried by the friction rod to reciprocate therewith; a block connected to said box for movement therewith; a selector associated with each of said carrier rods and disposed to move with theblock, but slidably mounted thereon for selective engagement with its associated carrier rod to reciprocate the same; spring means acting on each selector. for normallyurgingthe same out of engagement with the associated carrier ro'd; tappets pivotally mounted on the block and engageable with said selectors for forcing the same into engagement with their respective carrier rods against the action of said spring means;

a plurality of sets of spaced cams rotatably susto actuate said ratchet mechanism, said leverage system including a rail arranged for constant riding engagement with said ratchetmechanism whereby the latter may be actuatedat either end of the reciprocating movement of the block.

' STERLING C. MACK. 

